Nation & world briefs, July 27

Called out by the army, the largest crowds in 2½ years of upheaval filled Egypt’s streets yesterday, while ousted President Mohammed Morsi was formally placed under investigation on a host of allegations including murder and conspiracy with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Morsi’s supporters also showed no signs of backing down, though they turned out in vastly smaller numbers. The demonstrations in Cairo remained mostly peaceful into the night, but in the city of Alexandria seven people were killed and more than 100 were injured, officials said.

The announcement by prosecutors of the investigation against Morsi, which is likely to pave the way to a formal indictment and eventually a trial, was the first word on his legal status since he was deposed by the military July 3.

Spain

Probe: Train driver applied the brakes

Investigations into Spain’s deadliest train crash in decades have only begun, but already a key question has been answered: Experts said yesterday that the driver, not a computer, was responsible for applying the brakes because no “fail-safe” system has been installed on the dangerous stretch of bending track.

The police announced they had arrested 52-year-old Francisco Jose Garzon Amo on suspicion of reckless driving because the train hit the turn Wednesday traveling far faster than its posted 50 mph limit. Officials yesterday lowered the death toll in the crash from 80 to 78 after determining that some severed body parts had wrongly been attributed to different victims.

Massachusetts

Prosecution rests at Bulger trial

Prosecutors yesterday rested their case against reputed Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger in a broad racketeering indictment charging him with participating in 19 killings.

The government wrapped up its case after the jury heard from an FBI agent who described Bulger’s 2011 capture in Santa Monica, Calif.

Judge Denise Casper sent the jury home for the day after prosecutors rested. She told the jurors that the defense will begin calling witnesses Monday. Bulger’s lawyers said they plan to call up to 16 witnesses.